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Chuck Hagel apologized today for a 1998 incident in which he described prospective ambassador James Hormel "openly and aggressively gay." Democratic activists have been railing against the incident lately, in light of Hagel's rumored candidacy for defense secretary, Politico reports. "Ambassadorial posts are sensitive," Hagel said in a 1998 newspaper interview. "And I think it is an inhibiting factor to be gay—openly and aggressively gay like Mr. Hormel—to do an effective job."

President Obama hasn't actually nominated Hagel yet, but you wouldn't know it based on the battles raging around him—this week, Obama took what Politico describes as an "extraordinary step" by publicly defending Hagel against attacks related to Israel. "My comments 14 years ago in 1998 were insensitive," Hagel said in today's statement. "They do not reflect my views or the totality of my public record, and I apologize to Ambassador Hormel and any LGBT Americans who may question my commitment to their civil rights." (Read more Chuck Hagel stories.)

What a W I M P, that Hagel and a panderer of his lower-self! For a job? In the Obama administration? After Obama himself lowered the bar of the Office, by demonizing the conservatives and the republican party, and also "tried" to ridicule his opponent with a game of words, by telling, laughing, an audience of college "bugs" that Mitt suffered of "Romneysia"...! ( must have been a bully in school..)What a freaking insult from a guy that was elected because of "political lust"... and Hollywood (e.g. G. Clooney) having their "boy" in the WH. Where is his apology?

right2dave

Dec 22, 2012 10:51 AM CST

Just leave the ho mos alone. If they want to serve our country it's their business.

Bill Inaz

Dec 22, 2012 7:38 AM CST

""And I think it is an inhibiting factor to be gay—openly and aggressively gay like Mr. Hormel—to do an effective job." That's an opinion, not a "slur". Apologizing for that is a sign of weakness. Secretary of Defense? LOL!! "I sowwey, I sowwey!!! Pussy!